As Starknet continues its decentralization journey and moves closer towards a Proof of Stake (PoS) protocol, contributors across the ecosystem are working together to support the growth of a strong, decentralized validator set. This is a critical bootstrapping moment: wide participation in staking and validation is imperative to safeguarding the network against the undue influence of any single entity, which is essential for a strong, permissionless, and truly decentralized system.

Delegation programs play a key role in this process by lowering the barrier to entry for validators, encouraging broader participation, and improving decentralization.

The Starknet Foundation Delegation Program

This week, the Starknet Foundation launched the Starknet Foundation Delegation Program (SFDP), a strategic initiative designed to enhance staking distribution, support validator growth and diversity, and strengthen network resilience.

The program creates new opportunities for both new and existing validators to participate in securing the network. As such, there is clear, meaningful support and well-defined performance benchmarks.

Let’s take a closer look at how the program works, who it supports, and what to expect.

Program details

At its core, the Starknet Foundation Delegation Program is about broadening participation and improving resilience. Starknet’s validator set has grown, but we can and should do better for the health of the network and ecosystem. The program addresses the growth of staking delegation by introducing delegation mechanics and targeted validator support.

The program’s goals are clear: distribute stake across a more diverse validator set; increase the number of active validators securing the network; upgrade overall staking participation to improve network security in the long-term.

And it does this with a design philosophy built around three principles:

  • Fair – Balance decentralisation goals with responsible treasury management
  • Targeted – Prioritise measurable, meaningful outcomes
  • Flexible – Built to evolve alongside the network and its needs

How it works

The Foundation will match validator stake 1:1, up to a maximum of 5 million STRK per participant, subject to performance criteria, such as:

  • Stake Matching: For STRK staked by a validator, the Foundation will delegate the same amount (up to 5M STRK), excluding any amount received from other Delegation Programs.
  • Residual Delegation: Any remaining STRK in the delegation pool may be distributed evenly amongst qualified participants, i.e.
  • Stake 30M STRK → receive 5M delegated STRK matched + residual share.
  • Stake 1M STRK → receive 1M delegated STRK matched + residual share.
  • Program Cap: If the delegation pool is exhausted, the Foundation will reduce stake matching allocations to all validators by the same proportional percentage.

These mechanisms support validators who have secured meaningful stake independently, while also encouraging new participants to grow with the ecosystem.

Who is eligible?

To receive matched delegation, validators must:

  • Run a full Starknet validator node.
  • Maintain high uptime (>99%) and responsiveness.
  • Respond to Foundation inquiries within 48 hours.
  • Set commission rates at 10% or less.
  • Meet regulatory compliance requirements

Validators remain eligible even if they participate in other Delegation Programs; however, any delegation received through those programs will be excluded from the matched stake calculation. Validator performance will be monitored continuously, and delegated amounts will be adjusted regularly.

Application

To apply, fill out the Starknet Foundation Delegation Program application form.

  1. Application windows: rolling, but closes quarterly by
    • 16th of February
    • 16th of May
    • 16th of August
    • 16th of November
  2. Notification on application outcome: quarterly, no later than
    • end of February
    • end of May
    • end of August
    • end of November
  3. Stake rebalancing: by end of each quarter, meaning
    • end of March
    • end of June
    • end of September
    • end of December

Designed with adaptability in mind

The program is built to adapt. During the program’s rollout, community feedback will be ensured with clear, transparent communication from the Foundation.

What are the next steps?

The Starknet Foundation Delegation Program is an important moment in Starknet’s path toward deeper decentralization. It’s not just a validator incentive, it’s a strong signal to our ecosystem that STRK is here to do more.

If you’re a validator – or ready to become one – now is the time to join us in building a more diverse and resilient Starknet.

If you apply to the Starket Foundation Delegation Program, stay tuned to your inbox for updates from the Starknet Foundation.

Let’s build a more resilient Starknet, and reshape the digital world together.

 

Note: This program does not constitute a grant, investment, or form of compensation. Delegated STRK remains under Foundation custody and is subject to revocation based on validator behavior. The program operates at the sole discretion of the Foundation and may be modified at any time to promote broader inclusion, fairness, and alignment with ecosystem goals.